Fire consumes Isla Mujeres ferry

The fire aboard an Isla Mujeres ferry reportedly broke out just as passengers were about to board the vessel. (PHOTO: sipse.com)

CANCUN — Passengers preparing to board an Ultramar ferry to the island of Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancun, were caught by surprise Wednesday Jan. 25 when a massive fire broke out aboard the vessel.

One passenger said the fire happened as people were boarding. Other posts on social media stated no one was hurt.

The ferry operates between Playa Tortugas in Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

The fire aboard an Isla Mujeres ferry reportedly broke out just as passengers were about to board the vessel. (PHOTO: sipse.com)

The fire, which was extinguished by Cancun area firefighters, was attributed to an engine failure.

It was just after 9:00 a.m. when smoke was reportedly seen coming from the boat. Several units of the local fire department arrived on scene to extinguish the watercraft, however, the boat suffered extensive damage, having the entire upper level and inside cabin area destroyed by flames.

It took more than a dozen firefighters an hour to put out the fire. The boat was docked beside another Ultramar, which did not suffer any damage. No persons were reported injured. The burnt-out ship was taken to another dock where it will be inspected for the exact cause of the fire.

The Port Captain advised all vessels to remain cautious in the vicinity of the disabled vessel. An investigation into the circumstances of the fire is proceeding.